# 3D-Printed Telescopes The Ultrascope is a Simplified Telescope That Snaps Images with Smartphones By Ady Floyd | Published 2015-08-12 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultrascope References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2015/08/11/icymi-3d-printed-telescope-bird-drone-and-more//?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi) & [news.sciencemag.org](http://news.sciencemag.org/space/2015/07/video-powerful-telescope-you-can-build-home?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=youtube_desc_link) 'In Case You Missed It' revealed a [3D-printed telescope](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/advanced-telescope-design) called the 'UltraScope' that is designed to capture and share images and videos. This unique telescope was created by the [Open Space Agency](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intrinsic-flowstate-platform) and works by snapping images with one's smartphone. The entire device can be constructed and built for about $200. Full instructions and guidelines can be downloaded for free. The Ultrascope is designed to be controlled with simple robotics. The simplified device allows users to [snap images with smartphone cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shiftcam-lensultra-explorer-series) through a Bluetooth-connected app. Once the device is active and ready, users are able to upload their sightings and images directly to The Cloud. The London-based agency is committed to creating devices that can be built with store-bought fragments. The idea is to encourage entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts to pursue higher endeavors by customizing their own devices. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 14% | Activity: 51% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **DIY Telescopes:** The availability of free instructions and affordable 3D printing technology presents an opportunity for individuals to create their own telescopes. - **Telescope-based Smartphone Accessories:** The Ultrascope's integration with smartphones and cloud storage creates an opportunity for other manufacturers to explore creating affordable telescope accessories for smartphones. - **Accessible Space Observation:** The Ultrascope's low cost and ease of construction could potentially bring space observation to a wider range of individuals and groups, including schools, universities, and amateur astronomers. ### Where This Applies - **Consumer Electronics Manufacturing:** The development of affordable smartphone telescope accessories presents a potential market for manufacturers to explore. - **3D Printing Technology:** Increased availability and affordability of 3D printing technology represents an opportunity for individuals and businesses to create customized telescope components. - **Education:** The low cost and accessibility of the Ultrascope telescope could be utilized as an educational tool in schools and universities to encourage students' interest in space observation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [App-Controlled Smart Telescopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/evscope-equinox-2.md) - [Intelligent Connected Telescope Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decouvir-telescope.md) - [4K Smart Telescopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/4k-smart-telescopes.md) - [Smartphone-Powered Telescopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vaonis-hestia.md) - [Intelligent 4K Smart Telescopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seestar-s30-pro.md) - [Smartphone-Connected Telescopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dwarf-ii-portable-smart-telescope.md) - [Smart Personal Observatory Telescopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vaonis-hyperia.md) - [Automated Algorithm-Powered Telescopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-space-telescope.md) - [High-Power Palm-Sized Telescopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/konsivy-pro.md)